Peggy Jo Shepherd journeyed from this life on Sept. 19, 2025, in the care of Ohio Living Hospice at the home of her son, Vernon Lee, who is grateful for the presence of friends and family.

Peggy was born March 13, 1936, to Joseph and Ruth (Turvey) Kestner of Amsterdam. As a child, she wrapped pies and cookies in the Turvey Bakery, visited aunts Faye and Doris in Cleveland, and camped in Lakeside-Marblehead with uncle Lewis’ family.

Peggy married Ray A. Shepherd on Sept. 14, 1952. They purchased the McClave farm between the Shepherd and Evans farms. Peggy once braved great risk to save her sons from a fire in the old farmhouse. They later built the “house on top of the hill” on Springfield Township Road 265, where they lived for more than 50 years.

Peggy was mother to four sons: Danny (Thea), Bernard, Rev. Vernon Lee, and Allen (Rudi). She was grandmother to six, with several great-grandchildren. Ray preceded her in death after 65 years of marriage, as did her sister Carla Brancker. Peggy longed for the open spaces of her country home and was eager to see again her parents, Ray, relatives and friends.

Peggy had an artistic eye for drawing and decorating. She enjoyed her ceramic studio, extensive flower gardens — iris her favorite bloom — and her hummingbird haven. Peggy was an enthusiastic Christmas decorator with several trees, garlands, ceramics and collectibles. People looked for her butterscotch pies and cookies. On breaks from his band, Ray and Peggy were smooth movers on the dance floor.

For many years, Peggy drove her sons to music lessons. As president of the Springfield High Band Boosters, she led a project to build the new concession stand. A grand 50th anniversary celebration for three couples included Peggy and Ray, his sister Marian (Earl Abel), and his sister Audrey (Tony Kapelewski).

A Christian memorial is pending, with interment at Harlem Springs Cemetery. 

Donations may be made to a charity in memory of Peggy. 

Condolences may be sent to Shepherd, P.O. Box 5455, Fairlawn, OH 44334.